Battle Of Hudson

Chris Kreider could return tonight for the Rangers. Either way, they must deliver a win in Game 4 or face extinction.

Essentially, it’s do or die tonight for the Rangers. Under no circumstance do they want to go down 3-1 to the Penguins. Simply put, they must rise up and win Game 4 at MSG. They’re not facing extinction but even Alain Vigneault realizes the importance. He emphasized it as a must win to have any realistic chance.

It’s time for our best players to step up. The top line of Rick Nash, Derek Stepan and Martin St. Louis hasn’t gotten the job done. It’s to the point where Vigneault tried J.T. Miller on the struggling unit for two periods while shifting Nash to a line with Brad Richards and Carl Hagelin. Desperate times call for desperate measures. He also dressed Jesper Fast and Raphael Diaz.

The Rangers haven’t scored over the last six periods. Marc-Andre Fleury has stopped the last 57 shots including 35 keying a Pittsburgh 2-0 Game 3 win. To the Pens goalie’s credit, he’s elevated his play. In Game 2, he didn’t have to work. If not for a strong performance Monday where his team was outshot 35-15, the Rangers might be up. Fleury made critical stops and got breakaway goals from Sidney Crosby and Jussi Jokinen.

Like a broken record, the power play misfired on five chances. Despite actually creating opportunities, they were unable to break through. They’re now 0 for the last 34. Vigneault mixed things up. He tried Diaz on one unit. In place of John Moore, the Swiss defenseman registered six shots. It wouldn’t surprise if he got another game. In a desperate search to find the right combination, Vigneault also had Marc Staal and Anton Stralman on the points. They were victimized by Crosby. With Richards and Ryan McDonagh struggling, it’s put the coach in a bind.

If they can’t get it done on the man-advantage, then the Rangers must at even strength. Vigneault has preached staying out of the box and playing the Penguins 5-on-5. You can’t fault Monday’s effort. They limited the Pens’ chances. It was when they had power plays expiring that they came unglued. A characteristic of a team trying too hard. They must simplify their approach. One area that needs to improve is getting bodies in front of Fleury. For most of the series, he’s had an easy time seeing the puck. They must get traffic and score a garbage goal. The Pens always have players screening Henrik Lundqvist. It’s usually James Neal or Chris Kunitz. The Rangers must do the same to get to Fleury.

The biggest storyline is the status of Chris Kreider. An important piece up front, he’s been sidelined a month and a half with a broken left hand. Kreider has missed the last 19 games including playoffs. He was finally given medical clearance and participated in the morning skate. When asked about his status for tonight, Vigneault termed him “day-to-day.”

If he can play, that would be a huge psychological boost. It doesn’t necessarily guarantee anything. But being able to add Kreider’s size and speed could certainly help. Under Vigneault, he’s grown into a power wing the coach loves to use as a net presence on the power play. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to conclude that it hasn’t been the same since he went down. Of Kreider’s 17 goals, six came on the power play. He’s willing to do the dirty work in front.

In his place, Benoit Pouliot has done an admirable job as part of a second unit with linemates Derick Brassard and Mats Zuccarello. The issue is the vanilla nature of the top unit. Everything can’t be on the perimeter. There’s been too much hesitancy from Stepan, Nash and St. Louis. They don’t move the puck fast enough. A good power play will do that and move bodies. They’re too passive.

If there’s a concern entering tonight, it’s that the Pens will not play as poorly as Game 3. That means Henrik Lundqvist needs to be huge. It’s hard to get on him so far. He was good in Game 1 and stood on his head in Game 2. The goal he allowed to Crosby was stoppable. Lundqvist has yet to pitch a shutout this postseason. The Rangers might need him to. Ironically, Fleury outplayed him in the same round six years ago. Poll anyone and they’ll say without hesitation that they’d prefer Lundqvist. At some point later, he’s going to be asked to make some momentum turning saves. If he ever wants to silence the critics who insist he can’t get it done, Game 4 is essential.

Of course, everyone must chip in. The Rangers know what’s at stake here. There’s plenty of experience in that locker room to find it in their hearts to get it done. Win tonight and they put the pressure squarely on the Pens. Give them something to think about.

Marc Staal checks Sidney Crosby from behind in Game 3.
Tribune Review/Chaz Palla

After the Penguins defeated the Rangers 2-0 in Game 3 to take a 2-1 series lead, that wasn’t the only hot topic. Some Pittsburgh media were up in arms over an undetected Marc Staal crosscheck on star forward Sidney Crosby.

The play in question came during a stoppage in the first period when Staal caught the Hart frontrunner in the back and neck area with a two hander. The video can be found via Pens Initiative. NBC’s Pierre McGuire actually dismissed it referencing it as “old time hockey.” This was common in the old days before concussions were well known. In a league that emphasizes protecting its players, you can understand why Pens press and fans are upset.

Interestingly, Crosby didn’t complain about it. Even with whiny Tri Sports Live columnist Dejean Kovacevic charging Staal with assault, the Penguins captain let him off the hook.

“He’s pretty good like that,” Crosby said, initially joking a bit as he spoke. “He can be sneaky. It’s not the first time.”

Perhaps he realized he got the best revenge victimizing Staal for his first postseason goal in 13 games. Don’t forget Crosby and Staal are close. Both have teamed up winning Olympic gold for Canada in 2010. They each have overcome concussions which sidelined them long periods.

Was it bad? Sure. That it wasn’t detected by either ref is hideous. But that’s the norm in a league where they tend to look for more holds and hooks. Should Staal face discipline? If it’s reviewed, he should get at least a fine. But suspension? I doubt it. Though you never can put anything past the league.

Before the second round series started, the Rangers knew what was ahead of them. Coming off playing the final three in four days of their seven-game first round win over the Flyers, an unfriendly second round against the Penguins pitted the first three over a four day span. Due in large part to MSG building availability for Game 3, they were forced to play back to back. So were the Pens, who in case you forgot went six against the Blue Jackets.

One team adapted better. That would be Pittsburgh, who followed up a dominant 3-0 win in Game 2 by again shutting out the Rangers last night behind Marc-Andre Fleury, taking Game 3 2-0. With the suddenly hot goalie having stopped the last 57 shots, it makes Game 4 tomorrow a must for New York. They can’t afford another slip up or it could be early tee times. For the players, the focus is on sending the series back to Pittsburgh even which would turn it into a best of three. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for coach Alain Vigneault, who vented about the schedule after his team outshot the Pens 35-15 but never beat Fleury.

”We tried real hard. We were forced to play a stupid schedule,” Vigneault said. ”I am real proud of how our guys handled it.

”We put our best foot forward in each and every game. Now we’ve got a full day to recover.”

In a city that never sleeps, you can’t use that as a crutch. I’ve seen more than one fan allude to the schedule for why the Rangers are in a predicament. They took Game 1 and played a brutal Game 2 after having a day off. Was that also the NHL’s fault? Or maybe Vigneault didn’t have his team prepared. They know who they’re up against. Do you think it actually dawned on our players to match the Pens’ intensity? Apparently, it doesn’t matter who runs the bench. Despite all the struggles with handling adversity, they were dominated allowing Pittsburgh to carry momentum to The Garden.

The worst thing that happened was not scoring on Fleury. It allowed him to gain confidence. You can’t allow a fragile goalie to believe he can stop everything. Part of the issue is that after mailing in Game 2, most of the Rangers’ shots were without traffic. He was able to see everything and also got the benefit of three goalposts. His best stop came on Mats Zuccarello, who fired a laser that Fleury reached out and grabbed. The Pens did a good job in front. Their skating ability has allowed them to escape trouble. Even in a game they only mustered 15 shots, they were able to capitalize on breakaway goals from Sidney Crosby and Jussi Jokinen.

”I am happy about our whole team,” a desperate Vigneault noted. ”We played a real strong game. That is one of the best two-way teams in the league.”

He’s trying to put a positive spin on losing last night. Of course, it’s understandable. You don’t want a coach to panic. However, anyone who’s watched knows the Rangers are in trouble. Their latest power play crisis has seen them fail in 34 straight dating back to Game 2 of the first round. Even with the addition of Raphael Diaz, they were unable to break through. When you struggle as badly as they have, what often happens is players try too hard. A perfect example was how the Pens scored both goals. After failing to cash in on a double minor, Marc Staal let Crosby get behind him. He beat Henrik Lundqvist five-hole. Jokinen scored similarly after returning following a close call in the opposite end.

While Vigneault emphasizes strong 5 on 5 play, technically both Pens goals came at even strength. So, his analysis wasn’t accurate. In the last two losses, the Rangers haven’t paid enough attention to detail. Facing an opportunistic opponent, you can’t afford that. It’s no secret that Ryan McDonagh isn’t close to 100 percent. Our top defenseman remains without a point and hasn’t been himself. Take him away and they have little offense from the blueline. The effort is there but the execution isn’t.

It’s hard to go far in the postseason without a dominant defenseman. McDonagh is the closest thing to that for the Blueshirts. Partner Dan Girardi always gives supreme effort as does Staal and Anton Stralman. But none of them possess the impressive two-way skills of McDonagh. If he isn’t healthy, they lack that one impact guy who can make a difference. Something most of the remaining eight have. The Pens boast fundamentally flawed Kris Letang and steady Paul Martin. The Bruins have Zdeno Chara. The Hawks boast Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. The Kings have Drew Doughty. P.K. Subban and Andrei Markov headline the Canadiens. The Wild have Ryan Suter. Francois Beauchemin and Cam Fowler are the Ducks’ best but neither is in that class. They trail the Kings 2-0.

Assuming the Rangers fade out, it’s an area Glen Sather has failed to address during his reign. His team continues to lack a true power play quarterback. Ever since he traded Brian Leetch, he’s never replaced him. That more than anything is why this team continues to fire blanks on the power play. It doesn’t matter who coaches or what system is run. If they had converted on just a couple of chances, it could be the Rangers in better position up 2-1. Instead, they must win tomorrow or stare death in the face.

No Kidding: Sidney Crosby is congratulated by teammates at the Pens bench after scoring in their 2-0 Game 3 win over the Rangers.
AP Photo/Kathy Willens

Sometimes, it doesn’t matter how hard you try. Whether it’s getting a girl’s number or cheering for your team as hard as possible, it won’t have any impact. The Rangers are at that breaking point again. They did what you knew they’d do. Blow a 1-0 series lead in spectacular fashion. By getting shutout on two consecutive nights by Marc-Andre Fleury. The Penguins used breakaway goals from Sidney Crosby and Jussi Jokinen to blank the Rangers 2-0 in Game 3. They now lead the series 2-1 with a do or die Game 4 Wednesday.

The question is will they figure out how to score by then. Since Derick Brassard scored at 3:06 of overtime in Game 1, the Rangers have been shutout twice by Fleury. In the last six periods, he’s stopped 57 straight shots. That included 35 tonight. Of all the endless possibilities, Fleury shutting down our side was probably about as likely as scoring a date with Kate Upton. It’s like the nerd in high school aiming high for the class princess and getting her to say yes.

It wasn’t so much that they played poorly. Astonishingly, the Rangers outshot the Penguins 35-15. In fact, following Jokinen’s goal that made it 2-0, Pittsburgh only mustered one shot over the final 24:40. You really can’t make this stuff up. A series which many figured would be high scoring has turned into an unpredictable low scoring tight checking affair. Even with the Rangers holding the Pens to six goals without an empty net, they haven’t taken advantage. Credit the faster skating Pens for keeping most of the chances to the outside. Fleury was able to see the shots and didn’t have to contest with Rangers crashing the crease.

Even a fragile goalie can gain confidence when he’s able to make the saves. The Rangers did it to themselves by not coming out with any sense of urgency Sunday. The schedule didn’t help. But you have to wonder why they were so outclassed following a day off while able to summon up the energy in a back-to-back playing for the seventh time in 10 days. That is one I’d love to know the answer to. Especially if they don’t show some mental fortitude Wednesday and send the series back to Pittsburgh even.

There are sure to be a lot of questions before Game 4. Why does Alain Vigneault insist on keeping the top line of Derek Stepan, Rick Nash and Martin St. Louis together? Even if he did temporarily try something different at the start, Vigneault went back to that line which has been MIA. It was another frustrating game for Nash, who had his best chance denied by Fleury midway through the depressing third period. St. Louis also nearly set up Stepan but his sharp angle shot was thwarted by Fleury. He stopped all nine shots in the third posting another shutout.

Another familiar theme was the power play. Despite generating better opportunities, they again were blanked going 0-for-5 to hike their miserable powerless streak to 34 straight. Unfortunately, that included a barrage of shots on Fleury with Jokinen off for holding the stick. As suggested in this space, Vigneault gave Raphael Diaz a chance in place of John Moore. Diaz fired six shots on net while attempting nine. None beat Fleury. Instead of capitalizing, they allowed Jokinen to come out of the box and beat Lundqvist for a back breaker that increased the Pens’ lead to 2-0 with 4:40 left in the second.

Following a scoreless first, Crosby finally broke through to put Pittsburgh ahead at 2:34. Sneaking behind Marc Staal, he took a Robert Bortuzzo outlet and broke in on Lundqvist beating him five-hole. Even if you can’t blame him, it wasn’t a good goal to give up. Especially with his team unable to provide any offense. Hank is usually money down low but left too much room for Crosby, who picked it apart.

Because he finally scored, all we heard during the third was about Sid The Kid. It was a Pens love fest from NBCSN and Pierre McGuire. Honestly, I’m already sick of it. If they’re not going to win the series, I just want it over so I don’t have to watch NBC anymore. I’m fed up with losing to that team. I despise them more than anyone else. Until the Pens are eliminated, I will not watch another game. The unprofessionalism on display by that network is a complete disgrace. There isn’t a more biased network ever involved covering hockey.

Pens netminder Marc-Andre Fleury makes one of his 35 saves en route to a second consecutive shutout.
AP Photo/Kathy Willens

Aside from the Crosby/Fleury shenanigans, give credit to the Pens. Defensively, they’ve done an excellent job neutralizing the Rangers. Although you see where they really miss Chris Kreider in this series. The combination of size, strength and speed really could make a difference. He also brings a net presence. Something only Mats Zuccarello is willing to do. When your bravest player is 5-6 and is one of the few who gets the jersey dirty, it speaks volumes. On one hand, you know who those guys are.

Of course, Vigneault didn’t start Brassard, Zuccarello and Benoit Pouliot after Zuccarello drew the penalty on Paul Martin with 1:58 left. That would actually require common sense. For all the adjustments he’s made including also reinserting J.T. Miller for Derek Dorsett and surprisingly dressing Jesper Fast for Daniel Carcillo, he has been way too stubborn with the top power play unit. They’re not getting it done. There was no good reason why he didn’t send the Zuccarello unit back out down two. Between that mystifying decision and his stubbornness to keep Stepan, Nash and St. Louis together, it begs the question if he sticks to his guns too long.

Right now, there’s a lot of blame to go around. I will never criticize a coach for dressing different players searching for a spark. In what little I saw, Miller looked good. So did Diaz. It wasn’t enough to make a dent on the scoreboard. The most depressing aspect was seeing how quiet MSG sounded. It was like watching a morgue. This is what James Dolan wanted. An overpriced arena that no longer attracts enough diehards. The boos were predictable and deserved.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Sidney Crosby, Pens (1st of postseason at 2:34 of 2nd for GWG)

2nd Star-Marc-Andre Fleury, Pens (35 saves incl. 16/16 in 2nd and 9/9 in 3rd-seeing everything)

1st Star-Jussi Jokinen, Pens (breakaway goal-5th, scored in 2 straight and been clutch)

Derek Stepan’s line with Rick Nash and Martin St. Louis must pick it up offensively.

Prior to last night, Derek Stepan felt his line with Rick Nash and Martin St. Louis were on the right track. The Rangers top unit looked better at the conclusion of the first round series victory over the Flyers. They followed that up with a solid effort in a 3-2 overtime Game 1 win against the Penguins. The trio combined for 11 shots-on-goal with another four attempts from Stepan, who recorded a game best five shots. He and Nash combined for nine total and had quality chances.

That wasn’t the case in Game 2. A game controlled by a hungrier Pens who posted a 3-0 home win to even the Eastern Conference Semifinal- sending it back to MSG for a pivotal Game 3 tonight. The top line was held to a paltry five shots. They weren’t a factor. On a night Derick Brassard, Benoit Pouliot and Mats Zuccarello were held in check, the Rangers didn’t get anything out of its top scoring unit.

The lack of production from Stepan, Nash and St. Louis is a concern. After a good start to the playoffs, they haven’t produced a goal over the last six games. You have to go all the way back to Game 3 of the first round when both Stepan and St. Louis scored highlighting a three-goal win over Philadelphia. This isn’t to say they weren’t effective. St. Louis and Stepan set up Marc Staal in Game 5. Nash had a strong Game 7 creating dangerous chances while owning the puck and taking the body.

The bottom line is Alain Vigneault needs more production from them. They can’t keep putting up zeroes on the score sheet. Nash’s struggles are well documented. He’s 0-for-9 so far and has only scored once in his first 21 postseason games as a Ranger. While Sidney Crosby has gotten all the attention due to his own playoff goal drought, Nash is without one in the last 12. His only tally coming on May 13, 2013 in a 5-2 Game 2 defeat to the Bruins during last year’s Conference Semis.

It’s no longer acceptable for the player Glen Sather acquired from the Blue Jackets to be such a non-entity. Sure. Nash recorded four assists in the first round and leads all players this postseason with 37 shots. He’s too young to be going through what Jaromir Jagr did for Boston last year. The difference being the Bruins were much deeper and not as dependent on one player. If it’s true the Rangers boast better depth this time, they still need Nash to perform. The same goes for Stepan, who mystifies with his inability to bury chances. He’s had a ton but rarely gets the shots on net or shanks them.

With six points (2-4-6), St. Louis is still tied with Pouliot for second in team scoring trailing Brad Richards (3-4-7). Most of his success came early. He only registered one shot Sunday and wasn’t visible. When Sather went out and traded Ryan Callahan for him, it was because of St. Louis’ experience and higher skill level. The former Lightning forward teamed with Richards to win a Stanley Cup in 2004. Amazingly, that’s a decade ago. Here they are reunited on Broadway as two key performers. Following last year’s disappointment, Richards has been his team’s most consistent forward. He’s the one taking shots and leading offensively.

Maybe it’s time for Vigneault to make a change. Switching St. Louis with Richards wouldn’t be the worst idea. Either way, the Rangers won’t go anywhere unless their top line turns it around.

The AV Rules: Rangers coach Alain Vigneault should consider making some lineup changes when their second round series resumes at MSG for Game 3 tonight versus the Penguins.
http://www.cbc.ca

For most of the season, it’s been status quo for Alain Vigneault. In his first year behind the Rangers bench, his patience has worked. To his credit, he’s stuck with the same lines and kept the D pairs intact. It’s resulted in a more balanced team with solid chemistry.

Still, for an NHL record thirteenth consecutive time, they weren’t good enough to win two straight when leading a series. A lethargic effort resulted in an all too predictable 3-0 shutout against the Penguins, who took Game 2 to even the second round series. If not for the brilliant play of Henrik Lundqvist, it would’ve been much worse. Tonight’s not about the goalie, who gave his team every chance to steal it. Instead, they were powerless. I’m not just referring to the power play but overall.

Unmistakably, there wasn’t enough purpose to the Rangers game. They played with no edge or sense of urgency. Given that the Penguins needed the game, of course they were more desperate. However, the lack of physicality raised eyebrows. The final statistics say the Rangers had three less hits (32) than the Penguins (35). Sometimes, stats don’t tell the whole story. Anyone who roots for this team knows they were overpowered by a hungrier opponent intent on killing them. They finished every check and forced turnovers while also making Lundqvist’s life a living hell. Not one Blueshirt did the same against Marc-Andre Fleury.

If you gain a split in a seven-game series, there’s no shame. The Rangers still got what they wanted. A chance to establish home ice. However, they’ll be playing for the seventh time over 10 days Monday night at MSG. The hope is that a home crowd will energize them. They’ll have to play with a lot more urgency than the vanilla effort we got Sunday.

That could mean lineup changes. Something Vigneault should consider. In the first round seven-game win over the Flyers, he pushed the right buttons. AV wasn’t afraid to substitute Daniel Carcillo for Jesper Fast which resulted in a Game 3 win highlighted by a goal from the ex-Flyer. After a Game 4 defeat, Vigneault successfully inserted J.T. Miller. It worked again with Miller contributing an assist in a 4-3 Game 5 win. After sticking with Miller for Game 6, he went back to Carcillo, who paid back his coach by scoring a goal in a 2-1 Game 7 series clincher.

That kind of progressive coaching is what’s needed. There’s something lacking from the Rangers’ game. They were too easily pushed around. Perhaps Vigneault goes back to Miller, who’s a bigger body. He makes things happen on the forecheck. Something that was nonexistent in Game 2. Only we’re not suggesting inserting him for Carcillo, who was easily one of the Rangers’ best players. Instead, it should be Derek Dorsett who sits. Undeniably, Dorsett has brought good energy. However, the penalty he took late in the third with his team down a goal proved costly. Able to capitalize, the Pens scored a key insurance goal thanks to Jussi Jokinen which ended any comeback hopes.

Dorsett is a solid citizen. But in a series against another lethal opponent with a dangerous power play, you can’t afford those mistakes. This doesn’t take away from the relentless work he brings. However, they can easily slide Miller in and give that line a jolt. He’s a faster skater who can either play with Brad Richards and Carl Hagelin or play fourth line. Yes, Miller is still a work defensively. The Rangers need more attack time. They didn’t apply enough pressure on the Pens defense. Miller can use his size and strength. Assets the Rangers need minus Chris Kreider. The still recovering power forward is sorely missed. His net presence especially has been absent on a power play that’s failed in 29 straight.

Another area Vigneault has to look at is his third defensive pair. John Moore has struggled so far. A liability defensively, he hasn’t done enough to justify keeping him in. Yes, he works well with quiet stay at home type Kevin Klein. Considering the Rangers power play struggles, he might want to take a look at Raphael Diaz. Diaz is another righty option who can play on the point. A solid puck moving type who can get his shot through, that’s probably a better option than Anton Stralman. While he’s a steady defender, Stralman shouldn’t be asked to play a bigger role. He and Marc Staal have been the Rangers’ best defensive tandem this postseason.

Regarding Moore, he saw 22 shifts receiving 14:15 of ice-time. Every single one was at even strength. If Vigneault is hesitant to use the rover on the man-advantage, what’s the point? One problem is that Moore is too indecisive with the puck. He didn’t look for his shot. A strength. This is a player capable of providing offense. He’s still a work in progress. Could a more experienced Diaz provide a lift? He’s about the same defensively which means start him in the offensive zone as much as possible. It’s only a suggestion.

Given how he’s handled this team, I wouldn’t expect Vigneault to make more than one change. If anything, he’ll keep the blueline intact and consider inserting Miller. Whether it’s for Carcillo or Dorsett remains to be seen. At this point, I’d do it for Dorsett only because Carcillo has given the Rangers more. Who didn’t love seeing him bark at Neal following a post scrum around Lundqvist? For some reason, he works. It’s almost like a Sean Avery Affect. Unless he takes a silly penalty, play him.

When the series resumes later tonight, it’s really a must win scenario for the Rangers. Lose and it could slip away quickly. That requires tough decisions for the coach. Whatever he decides, it’s hopefully for the best.

Jokinen Gets Last Laugh: Pens forward Jussi Jokinen celebrates a power play goal with teammates which made it 2-0. Pittsburgh took Game 2 over the listless Blueshirts 3-0 to even the series.
AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

Everyone knew the schedule would present a challenge for the Rangers. They just weren’t up to it tonight. After taking Game 1, they were listless in falling to the Penguins 3-0 at Console Energy Center. The best of seven Eastern Conference Semifinal shifts to Madison Square Garden for an all important Game 3 tomorrow. Lose it and the Rangers risk losing everything.

How bad were they? On a scale of 1-10, they were about a 2. It was brutal. The Pens did whatever they wanted even if that meant taking bad penalties. They handed the Rangers the first three power plays. But as usual, they failed miserably mustering just two shots. It was deplorable. Instead of gaining any momentum, they allowed Pittsburgh to run around and deliver hits legal or illegal. It didn’t matter. Their physical play and desperation set the tone. They outhit the Rangers 20-10 early on and never relented.

It wasn’t just about finding a way to beat Henrik Lundqvist. Impenetrable, the former Vezina winner played a monster game. His brilliance cannot be overstated. Without him, this could easily have been 7-0 Pens. Lundqvist gave the Blueshirts every opportunity to get back in it. After a scoreless first period, he was under siege. With his teammates struggling to complete simple passes and turning pucks over, he absolutely stoned a swarm of Penguins intent on doing physical damage. They crashed his crease and did not pay a price.

To be perfectly blunt, the Rangers performance was gutless. Only a few players donning the white jerseys showed up. When your best forward is Daniel Carcillo, something’s wrong. He was the only player up front who played with any purpose even getting the few scoring chances on Marc-Andre Fleury. Fleury could’ve been on a beach. That’s how easy the 22 save shutout was. He never faced any pressure. The Blueshirts were one and done. They never made a fragile goalie work. Now, he has confidence when the series shifts to New York City.

After somehow escaping the first on even terms, the Rangers stopped skating. They watched a faster and more determined Pittsburgh attack possess the puck and fire repeatedly at Lundqvist. Even when they had a 7-4 shots edge, it was misleading. Eventually, it turned around with the Pens getting 12 of the last 15 shots to outshoot a lethargic opponent 16-10. Amazingly, they only scored once. Even in a game where Sidney Crosby was flying, the Pens captain couldn’t get one by Lundqvist. He had a game high six shots with the majority dangerous chances that a mere mortal would’ve caved in on.

It was Crosby’s teammates who gave a strong showing. Coach Dan Bylsma went with Crosby and Evgeni Malkin on the same line with Chris Kunitz. That resulted in a large territorial edge. They owned the puck. So pinned in were the Rangers that they simply gave the attacking Pens too much space. They pinched their defensemen at every opportunity. It finally paid dividends when Kunitz and Malkin combined to set up Kris Letang, whose shot went off a sliding Dan Girardi past Lundqvist at 10:26 of the second. Mats Zuccarello took a chance and lost in the neutral zone. Going for a big hit on Malkin, he missed allowing the Pens other superstar to gain the zone. With Kunitz driving the net, a late recovering Girardi had the puck deflect off his skate and in.

In simple terms, Girardi and ailing partner Ryan McDonagh struggled mightily. There was another play where Girardi made a bad read at the conclusion of another Rangers power outage. That allowed Kunitz to steal the puck and break in on Lundqvist, who aggressively challenged and blockered away the dangerous chance. The Rangers power play failed in four chances. Even though they generated a little more on the final one, it wasn’t enough. At one point, it was 3-for-8. Having failed in their last 29, they’re now a miserable 3-for-37. There are no words. Alain Vigneault tried Marc Staal and Anton Stralman. That pair has been by far their best so far. Maybe he should switch them on Crosby. Compared with McDonagh and Girardi, they’re giving up far less.

Despite a heroic effort from Lundqvist who kept Pittsburgh at 1 for most of the third, the Rangers simply didn’t take advantage. They only got five shots on Fleury. Playing for the sixth time in nine days, they didn’t have their skating legs. If they looked exhausted tonight, what’s going to happen in 24 hours? Somehow, they have to summon up the energy. If they can’t do it, this series could go in the opposite direction pretty quickly. At least they’ll have the home crowd at MSG. Even if it’s not close to what it used to be, you know they’ll ramp it up. The players must respond. Defend home ice and they can put themselves in a winning position.

Derek Dorsett took one of those misguided penalties that won’t win him any new fans. Inexplicably, he hit pest James Neal after the whistle. Neal is my most despised Pen because he always pulls stuff. Like his pulling Girardi’s stick to draw a minor and his repeated goalie shenanigans with Lundqvist. Something the Pens did a lot of. If they can get away with it, why not? It’s not like any Ranger is going to do something about it.

Able to kill the first six Pittsburgh power plays in the series, the Rangers couldn’t quite make it a perfect seven. Instead, they got beat in transition allowing Jussi Jokinen to rebound home a Neal shot that made it 2-0 with 3:30 left in regulation. Letang, who had a very active game, started it on a rush dropping to Neal. His low shot was one of the few Lundqvist mishandled which permitted Jokinen to snipe one top shelf for his fourth of the postseason. For good measure, Malkin added an empty netter in the final minute.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Evgeni Malkin, PIT (4th of postseason ENG, assist, 5 SOG, 4 takeaways, +2 in 21:30-very dangerous)

2nd Star-Kris Letang, PIT (goal-2nd of postseason at 10:26 of 2nd GWG, 2 assists, 2 hits, 2 blocked shots, +2 in 25:35)

1st Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (32 saves on 34 shots incl. 15/16 in busy 2nd)

Derick Brassard celebrates a goal with teammates Benoit Pouliot and Ryan McDonagh. His overtime winner allowed the Rangers to prevail over the Penguins in Game 1 3-2.
AP Photos/Gene J. Puskar

For seemingly ever, this team has been hideous in playoff overtime. The first game of the second round series against an old nemesis required it. After blowing a two-goal first period lead, the Rangers found a way to beat the Penguins 3-2 in Game 1 thanks to Derick Brassard’s overtime winner.

The game winner came at 3:06 of sudden death. It was a great play made by Benoit Pouliot, who won a battle behind the net and centered for Brassard, who beat Marc-Andre Fleury. That allowed the Rangers to steal the first game of the best of seven Eastern Conference Semifinal. It was the fourth time the Rangers and Penguins required OT in Pittsburgh. Unlike recent history, the Rangers came out on top thanks to some strong play from the Brassard unit with Pouliot and Mats Zuccarello. The cohesive trio were in on two of three goals.

The conclusion was a bit perplexing. Initially, referees Brad Watson and Steve Kozari thought Brassard’s shot hit the post. With the Pens in full scramble mode, the Rangers stayed with it. Pouliot buried a one-timer that assured an overtime win. Once it was over, NBCSN replays confirmed that Brassard’s shot hit the inside of the net before caroming out. That made it his goal. A player who was held to only two points- both assists in their seven-game first round win- Brassard delivered in the clutch scoring his first goal of the postseason.

Henrik Lundqvist makes a save on Sidney Crosby. He finished with 34 saves.
AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

The overtime triumph was only Henrik Lundqvist’s fifth. He improved to 5-11 for his career. It’s no secret he hasn’t much success in sudden death. Make no mistake. Without some clutch stops during a Pens second period onslaught, it never reaches that point. In a lopsided second that saw Pittsburgh outshoot the Rangers 15-4, Lundqvist made 13 saves. His best came with 10 seconds left in regulation when he robbed Lee Stempniak on a two on one. The hair raising moment came when Stempniak toe dragged around a sliding Dan Girardi turning it into a one on one. His shot with Chris Kunitz in front was padded away by a sliding Lundqvist allowing his team to survive.

He stopped all 12 Pens shots in the third and made one more in overtime. Lundqvist finished with 34 saves. Even though the tying goal he allowed to James Neal wasn’t great, Hank’s play stood out. Given the kind of pressure he faced the last two periods, Lundqvist stood up to the challenge outplaying Fleury (24 saves).

The series couldn’t have started out any better. Sharp from the outset after only a day of rest, the Rangers scored twice against Fleury. Pouliot opened the scoring when he took a Girardi outlet and cruised into the Pittsburgh zone and surprised Fleury with a wrist shot stick side at 5:04. For some reason, the Pens were flat. A strong Ranger forecheck forced turnovers. They outscored the Pens 2-0 and outshot them 13-8.

Following a close call in the opposite end, Carl Hagelin beat Pens’ defensemen Olli Maatta and Matt Niskanen to a loose puck behind Fleury’s net. He quickly fed for an open Brad Richards, who outwaited Fleury and finished off a nice forehand deke for his third making it 2-0 with 2:57 remaining. Girardi drew the other assist. The Pens showed frustration by the end of the period with Kunitz taking a holding minor. Sidney Crosby fired the puck after the whistle. For a seventh consecutive game, the Pens’ captain didn’t score a goal.

Whatever momentum the Rangers had died once the second started. Unable to generate anything on what’s become a lifeless power play, they allowed the Penguins to regain confidence. The Pens easily killed all four power plays increasing the Rangers’ futility to 0-for-their-last-25. It’s officially reached Mike Sullivan territory. Scott Arniel hasn’t made any adjustments. At some point during this series, he has to get it fixed. You can’t keep giving the Pens power plays. Astonishingly, they went 0 for 4.

Even though they didn’t score off them, Pittsburgh was able to build momentum. They kept the Rangers pinned in for almost the entire second. It was a fire drill. If not for their penchant for blocking shots along with Lundqvist’s goaltending, they would’ve been blown out. Attacking Pens repeatedly gained easy entry into the Ranger zone creating dangerous chances. After not being able to take advantage, they finally clicked. It was their checking line that got them back in the game. Following a Marcel Goc outlet, Beau Bennett came in two on two and patiently waited before dropping to Stempniak, who beat Lundqvist with a backhand nearside at 7:15.

With Console Energy Center finally alive, even a lazy Jussi Jokinen hooking minor couldn’t prevent the inevitable. The Ranger power play was so bad, it could’ve been sponsored by Looney Tunes. Fleury never saw one shot. It was pathetic. Once teams were back at full strength, it didn’t take long for the Pens to even it. Off some strong defensive work from Evgeni Malkin, Jokinen came in and dropped for Neal, whose wrister from the right circle went off Lundqvist and bounced in. Lundqvist immediately protested. On the play, he had Malkin in front swinging his stick at the puck in mid air. Replays confirmed that he never touched it allowing the Pens to tie it with 6:32 left. Malkin’s stick did touch Lundqvist’s glove but I had no issue with it. He lost concentration and forgot about the puck.

With the game tied at two, the Pens searched for the go-ahead. But it never came. Lundqvist held his team in. He delivered money stops. The Pens cycle was so aggressive that they skated circles around the Rangers. It was scary. They really dominated. Thanks to the goalie, the Blueshirts escaped the period still tied.

The third was better played. Forced to kill a fourth Pens power play following a lazy trip from top penalty killer Brian Boyle, the Rangers buckled down. Despite constant pressure, Pittsburgh never got the perfect set up required to beat Lundqvist. He saw every shot. That included a dangerous try from Malkin which he harmlessly gloved away. He bailed out Marc Staal, who passed the puck right to Malkin. For the most part, Staal was strong. It was just one of those nervous moments that had me going crazy.

Unlike the second where they mustered nothing, the Rangers were able to test Fleury. He made eight saves including a key one on Derek Stepan with Rick Nash in front. Once again, Nash failed to score. Aside from two shaky defensive shifts, he was fine. It would be nice if Stepan could fire a shot cleanly. He almost always fans. He’s been getting chances every game. Despite a good effort from Martin St. Louis, the top line didn’t factor in.

The Rangers were able to put together some good shifts. When they weren’t pinned in by the Pens’ top line, the fourth line did a solid job. As they’ve demonstrated throughout, Boyle, Dominic Moore and Derek Dorsett didn’t hurt them. Neither did the Brassard unit, who sprung to life with their best postseason performance. It was fitting that they would generate the OT winner. Pouliot made the play behind the net and Brassard played the hero. The end result was a huge win allowing them to take a 1-0 series lead.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (34 saves incl. 13/15 in 2nd, 12/12 in 3rd)

2nd Star-Benoit Pouliot, NYR (goal-3rd of postseason, assist, +1 in 23 shifts-15:39)

1st Star-Derick Brassard, NYR (scored overtime winner at 3:06, +1 in 24 shifts-15:55)